East Hartford Solar Projects Approved By CL&P

EAST HARTFORD — — With approval from Connecticut Light & Power, four of six proposed solar projects at some public buildings and schools in town are moving forward.

The utility company will subsidize arrays of solar panels in parking lots at the Connecticut IB Academy and Norris, O'Brien and O'Connell elementary schools.

Through Zero Emission Renewable Energy credits, or ZEREC, for these solar projects, most of their construction costs will be funded by CL&P, according to the town's Finance Director Michael Walsh.

ZEREC credits from CL&P were bid on by solar companies and in May, the town approved plans by solar contractor SunEdison to design, build, install and maintain the series of panels.

East Hartford has also promised to buy electricity for the four schools produced by SunEdison's solar panels.

According to a news release, the four projects can now move through the local approval process for construction.

"The construction of these renewable energy solar arrays at no cost to the taxpayer will lower electricity costs to the town at these sites," Leclerc said. "In the short-term, this project will create much-needed construction jobs while in the long-term, the town will reduce our carbon footprint for the benefit of future generations."

SunEdison representatives told the town council in May that the rows of panels, which resemble carports, would be mounted about 13 feet off the ground and could provide extra lighting in the parking lots. Cars and buses would fit under the mounted panels.

They would require little maintenance and could last about 20 years, the representatives said.

Two larger solar project intended for the parking lots at East Hartford High School — CIBA's neighbor — and the public safety complex on School Street were not approved for the credits. According to Leclerc, the town is considering smaller projects for those locations.